Study Desk

When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.

For what does a man get for all the labor and endeavors at which he toils under the sun?

Nothing is better for man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.

For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment?

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

I know that there is nothing better for men than to rejoice and do good while they live,

What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.

I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed."

I said to myself, "As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts."

For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other-they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.

I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?

There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: "For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?" This too is futile-a miserable task.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.

For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

For the youth has come from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom.

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and higher still are over them.

As a man came from his mother's womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.

This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?